Cuisine of Lahti for gourmets. Places for dinner - best restaurants

Lahti is a city lying the shore of a picturesque lake so dishes from fresh fish are considered the core element of local cuisine. In the port area, you will find the most popular fish restaurants, including very original floating ones. Besides fish, the city is famous for its bread-making traditions, and here you can also try specialty craft beers. Traditional Finnish dishes are quite common in local restaurants, their menu will surely impress fans of meat delicacies.

They probably would be interested in trying Mustamakkara blood sausage, for the preparation of which they use pork blood and lard. The dish looks quite peculiar, it's customary to serve such sausages with various berry sauces. Sausages have a rich black color and a truly unique taste. Those who are not yet ready for such culinary experiments will like traditional meat pies more. In addition to minced meat, they may contain various types of sausages and hams. The pies are very satisfying and always have attractive prices in restaurants.

In regional restaurants, they necessarily swerve various types of soups, the main components of which are meat and fish. Traditional fish soup majaorokka, once a daily meal of local fishermen, is a must-try while in Lahti. Today, they use different types of fish to prepare different versions of the soup. The classic version is made with small-sized fish so it is typically wholly cooked in the soup. In addition to fish, indispensable components of the soup are potatoes and onions. In some restaurants, they add milk to fish soups. Such first courses have a very delicate and rich taste. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Local lakes are rich in the small fish "vendace". Fried vendace garnished by boiled potatoes and fresh herbs is one of the most popular dishes among townspeople. On national holidays, this fish is often cooked at fairs. One can also try it on some food markets. To try the best regional delicacies, many tourists head to the local covered market operating all year round. Here you can buy various types of cheese and meat products. The simplest and most popular local fish dishes can be ordered in open-air cafes.

Lahti boasts a lot of attractive restaurants. Sokos Seurahuone located on the ground floor of a hotel of the same name is among the most interesting ones. Here, guests can enjoy the most popular Finnish food, including the Meat Mug, which is so popular among local youth. This is how they call a special kind of local fast food invented more than 40 years ago. The meal includes thinly sliced meats, sausages, and vegetables. Many people prefer to buy this dish to take away. The restaurant also serves wonderful fish dishes and home-style pastries.

Lovers of rest in unusual places will love Taivaanranta Restaurant specializing mainly in regional cuisine. In this restaurant, guests are offered a rich selection of first courses, interesting dishes from lake fish, as well as hearty dishes from potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant's calling card is its own brewery, hower, visitors are also invited to try homemade whiskey.

Gourmets would be interested in Ravintola Roux, a restaurant located on one of the central streets of the city. It represents traditional northern cuisine and all the dishes are prepared here exclusively from local products. In addition to author's versions of classic dishes, here you can try amazing wild game dishes. Venison dishes with berry sauces are especially popular with gourmets. The menu of the famous restaurant is renewed several times a year.

Besides restaurants, the city has many attractive cafes. Not far from the harbor, you will find the historic cafe Lokki. It is quite small and mainly visited by locals. A calm and cozy atmosphere reigns here, guests are offered fresh homemade pastries, as well as various types of berry cider. One of the main dishes in this cafe is the traditional rhubarb pie.

A peculiar city attraction is Kahvila Kariranta, a cafe housed in the old railway station building. This cafe presents a huge selection of pastries, guests are offered dozens of types of tea and coffee. Many regular visitors appreciate the cafe for its unique atmosphere, as it is located near the shore of Lake Vesijärvi.